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VA Health Care Benefits

According to federal guidelines, U.S. military veterans are eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits. Medical benefit packages are only available to those who are enrolled in the comprehensive plans offered by the VA. VA health care plans are available for preventive outpatient and inpatient services. Like any other national health care plan, the VA has an annual enrollment period for veterans.

  1. Preventive Care Services

    • Through the VA, veterans are eligible for immunizations, annual physical examinations and health care assessments. The VA also provides screening tests for conditions such as diabetes, for example, and health education programs.

    Ambulatory, Diagnostic and Treatment Services

    • Ambulatory services are usually performed on an outpatient basis. Emergency outpatient care is provided in designated VA facilities. Any medical emergency performed on an outpatient basis is provided through the VA. Health care plans also include surgical procedures, including reconstructive or plastic surgery due to disease or trauma. Other outpatient services provided through the VA include chiropractic care, mental health care and bereavement counseling, and substance abuse treatment.

    Hospital, Diagnostic and Treatment Services

    • Veterans qualify for inpatient hospital care treatments when needed. These services include emergency inpatient care in designated VA facilities. Medical, mental health and substance abuse care are also available on an inpatient basis. Surgical procedures that require a lengthy hospital stay due to reconstructive or plastic surgery for disease or trauma are also available.

    Medications and Supplies

    • The VA provides prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) and medical and surgical supplies to veterans. Medications and supplies must be prescribed by a VA provider or be available under the VA's national formulary system.

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